Legislative declaration

(1) The general assembly hereby finds and declares that: (a) Many substance abuse, public health, education, regulatory, and law enforcement professionals are concerned about the impact that the legalization of retail marijuana will have on children, youth, and adults in the state; (b) Many of these professionals believe that the legalization of retail marijuana may result in: (I) An increase in the abuse of marijuana by adults and youth; (II) A greater need for early intervention services due to increased use of marijuana by youth and adults; (III) A belief among children and youth that the risks associated with marijuana use are low; (IV) Health impacts in connection with exposure to secondhand smoke; (V) An increase in the instances of impaired driving and the associated increase in crashes; (VI) New health concerns regarding pregnant or nursing women who use marijuana or who are exposed to secondhand smoke from marijuana; and (VII) Other potential concerns that have not yet been identified. (c) Mass-reach health communications strategies have been found to be effective in reducing tobacco and alcohol use among adults and youth, in increasing the use of cessation services, and in limiting tobacco and alcohol initiation by youth; and (d) There is substantial evidence that mass media campaigns and community coalitions are effective in preventing marijuana use. (2) The general assembly further finds and declares that to protect and improve the health of the citizens of the state, it is a prudent use of state resources to require the Colorado department of public health and environment to implement a campaign to increase the awareness of and education about the impacts of marijuana use.